| In this dissertation, we investigate the continuous polymerization of ϵ-caprolactone (CL) and copolymerization of CL with ϵ-caprolactam (CA), ω-lauryl lactam (LA), and styrene (ST) in a modular intermeshing co-rotating twin screw extruder. We consider the variables of temperature profile, screw speed, monomer feed rate, the ratio of monomer to initiator, and feeding order of co-monomers on reactive extrusion of CL polymers. Associated with the reactive extrusion of CL, we also perform the engineering analysis of molecular weight increase and shear-induced molecular weight reduction after polymerization of CL during the reactive extrusion process.; Specially designed block copolymers have played a role as compatibilizing agents in the system of immiscible polymer blends. We apply the LA-CL block copolymer (P(LA-b-CL)) produced by reactive extrusion as a compatibilizing agent in immiscible polymer blend systems: (i) poly(vinyl chloride) (PVC)/polyamide 12(PA12), (ii) PVC/polypropylene (PP), and (iii) PVC/maleic anhydride (MA)-modified ethylene-propylene-non-conjugated diene elastomer (MA-EPDM). We investigate the mechanical and thermal properties of (i) PVC/PA12 blend compatibilized with P(LA-b-CL), (ii) PVC/PP blend compatibilized with P(LA-b-CL)/PA12/MA-PP, and (iii) PVC/MA-EPDM blend compatibilized with P(LA-b-CL)/PA12. |
